US Florida Governor Charlie Crist has been accused of assaulting an individual for identifying himself as an atheist during a campaign event held in St. Petersburg, Florida.

A member of Atheists of Florida – an AAI affiliate – reported that he unexpectedly came across a campaign event being held for Governor Charlie Crist upon leaving a pizzeria in St. Petersburg on Friday, March 5, 2010. At the event, the individual found a chance to introduce himself to the governor and, shaking his hand, asked the Governor if “he really believes that the letters he sent to Jerusalem prevent hurricanes from hitting Florida”.

After a heated and brief discussion with the Governor, the individual identified himself as not believing in God; to which the Governor assulted the individual, tearing off a “Charlie Christ for US Senate 2010” from the individual’s chest, then screaming at the victim that he “feels sorry for” him before turning his back to the assaulted victim to continue his campaign event.

Atheists of Florida is demanding an official apology for this outrageous behavior. Imagine if any public official had reacted this way to a Jew or a Muslim expressing their worldview, by invading their personal space to rip off a campaign sticker, then screaming that he “feels sorry” for them!

For more information, contact: info@AtheistsofFlorida.net.

As I post this, there has been no reports of this in the media. If this happened there sure should be.